I try to think of ways to increase awareness for ALS. This initiative may have been thought of by others, but I thought I would give it a whirl! See the response from Canada Post below. It may not work, but I appreciate the personalized reply. Especially as Canada Post is not in everyone's good books right now!

My name is Carol Skinner, and I was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) at the age of 41. I would like to introduce ALS as a suggestion for a stamp subject.

ALS is a motor neuron disease that gradually paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body. Over time, as the muscles of the body break down, someone living with ALS will lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, swallow, and eventually breathe. There are 3,000 Canadians living with ALS, as one dies, another is diagnosed. There is no cure for people living with ALS and most will die within two to five years of being diagnosed.

People living with ALS face a difficult journey. It is with strength and courage that people with ALS battle this devastating disease. It is with strength and courage that family and friends of people living with ALS persevere and support their loved ones. It is this strength and courage that allows people affected by ALS to maintain hope.

It is for this reason I think ALS should be considered as a Canada Post stamp subject. This will help increase awareness and advocacy for such a devastating disease. We should use platforms such as these to provide hope to Canadians suffering from ALS.

Its importance in the Canadian context:

Liberal Member of Parliament Mauril Bélanger died of ALS at the age of 61. He was a champion of the people who fought for language rights and women’s equality. On January 27, 2016, Belanger made history when he became the first MP in the House of Commons to use an electronic voice, re-introducing his private member’s bill on gender-neutral lyrics for O Canada. The bill passed in 2018.

Any significant anniversaries or upcoming events:

June is ALS Awareness month in Canada and every summer Walks for ALS are organized across the country. The Ottawa walk for ALS occurs every June. The WALK for ALS is the largest volunteer led fundraiser for ALS across the country. The WALK for ALS is about local communities coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for a future without ALS. Funds received support Canadians living with ALS and invest in research to make ALS a treatable, not terminal disease.

Ideas for artwork:

The Blue Cornflower is the international flower of hope for ALS.

Thank you for your consideration of my stamp proposal. I am aware that it may take up to two years for this to happen, but I would kindly ask if there is any way to expedite this process in my special circumstances as I would love to be alive to see this idea come to fruition!